Chapter 19

In the early hours of the morning, as the sky outside gradually brightened, the office on the third floor of Starry Sky Talent Agency remained brightly lit.

Helen sat in her office chair, occasionally glancing at the exquisite ladies' watch on her wrist. Beneath her calm demeanor, there seemed to be a hint of anxiety as she couldn't help but check her email.

On the sofa, Heidi was boredly flipping through a newspaper, seemingly struggling to fight off sleep.

"Helen, why don't we call Twentieth Century Fox's distribution department?" suggested Heidi.

"No need," Helen replied.

"I've already contacted them during the day. As soon as the first-day box office numbers are out, they'll send us an email."

Even with her usual calm demeanor, Helen couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy, fearing any unexpected results in the film's box office performance.

Regardless, this was currently the most important project for Starry Sky Talent Agency.

"It seems we'll just have to continue waiting," Ryan said helplessly, half of his body leaning on the desk. If it weren't for Helen's insistence, he would have gone home to sleep long ago.

Ryan was well aware of the box office performance of "The Blair Witch" in his previous life. It had only been released in twenty-seven cinemas on the first day, with an average box office of over $20,000 per screening.

Now, with Twentieth Century Fox backing it and relying on News Corporation, even without internet promotion channels, the final box office wouldn't differ too much.

Of course, even if "The Blair Witch" failed, it wouldn't have much impact on him. The film's full rights had been sold to Twentieth Century Fox, and he would only lose out on a share of the box office ladder.

"It's here!" exclaimed Helen.

With a hint of nervousness on her delicate face, Helen carefully clicked open the email with the mouse.

"How is it, how is it?"

"What's the box office like?"

Heidi suddenly became alert, completely forgetting her drowsiness, and quickly came over to Helen's side, staring intently at the computer screen.

"As of midnight on April 1st, with screenings in one hundred cinemas, the total box office for Friday was $2.35 million, with an average box office of over $20,000 per screening."

"Even with the additional temporary screenings, the average box office per screening is still around $20,000."

"Wow, it's unbelievable."

Looking at the first-day box office data in front of her, Heidi couldn't believe her eyes. She couldn't help but sneak a glance at Ryan, never expecting such results.

In reality, the speed of box office statistics in early 1990s North America was far slower compared to the past life. Sometimes, there wouldn't even be detailed box office data available the next day.

The reason it was so quick this time was because of Twentieth Century Fox's urging, and with only a little over a hundred cinemas screening the film, the statistics weren't too difficult to compile.

Helen's expression eased up, and she let out a sigh of relief, her days of worry finally dissipating.

"An average box office of $20,000 per screening."

"It's truly unbelievable."

With screenings in one hundred cinemas (including the additional temporary ones), the total box office reached $2.35 million on the first day, with an average box office of $20,000 per screening.

Yet, such an achievement was made by a first-time director's debut film, with an investment cost of only $40,000.

But even with such a modest beginning, the film had achieved unbelievable box office success. It could even become one of Hollywood's classic success stories for low-budget films.

And Helen was well aware that Ryan was no ordinary person. Perhaps "The Blair Witch" was just the beginning.

"Before your next film is released, I think we should sign a new contract," Helen said very seriously.

"Sure," Ryan nodded. He naturally had no objections to changing contracts.

"But, dear Helen, shouldn't we celebrate now?"

"I heard that a nearby restaurant is open 24 hours."

Heidi nodded vigorously. "That's right, Ryan, tonight you must treat us."

"No problem," Ryan agreed readily. "As long as Helen foots the bill."

The money from selling the film rights hadn't arrived yet, so he could only leave matters like paying the bill to Helen.

"The bill for treating us can be added to your account," Helen said. She was now his biggest creditor, and she didn't mind adding a little more.

Moreover, with "The Blair Witch" selling so well, the future impact could completely help her establish herself in Hollywood.

Don't forget, the lead actors, director, and all the supporting actors in the film were from Starry Sky Talent Agency. It wouldn't take long for the agency to gain fame once the three lead actors returned.

Perhaps the lead actors feared bad publicity, but for the director cum investor cum producer cum screenwriter Ryan, not appearing in public was a blessing.

But Starry Sky Talent Agency wasn't afraid of these things.

For the media and the public, it might be bad publicity, but for the struggling actors in Hollywood, it was a form of admiration.

In the early hours of the morning, in bustling Los Angeles, the three of them searched for a long time before finding a restaurant that was still open. They had a hearty meal before each going home to rest.

Next, the Twentieth Century Fox distribution department continued to mail out copies of the film, regardless of the cost.

They say American courier services are poor and slow, but that's not entirely true.

The most expensive service of FedEx, for delivery within forty-eight hours to anywhere in North America, with hourly charges, was astonishingly expensive.

With three days passing over the weekend, the number of screens showing "The Blair Witch" increased. It directly grossed $10.35 million in its first weekend, ranking first in North America's April weekend box office and marking Ryan's first weekend box office champion.

Unfortunately, Ryan couldn't accept such glory.

Weekend box office champion!

Could this film, released in the off-season, create a box office miracle for Twentieth Century Fox?

Regardless, the members of Twentieth Century Fox's distribution department were so happy they could jump for joy.

Only Colette Singh's complexion was somewhat unnatural, as he remembered the matter of the box office ladder share.

Thinking about it, he felt a bit of a headache when recalling that beautiful yet troublesome female agent.

He hoped "The Blair Witch" would continue to perform well, but at the same time, he feared the hefty box office share he might have to pay eventually.

It was a dilemma.

With such results, without Twentieth Century Fox's request, all the cinema chain companies would voluntarily expand the screenings.

For a film that was clearly selling well, not expanding the screenings?

Would they continue showing money-losing films with only a few viewers?

"What an amazing achievement."

On Monday night, Helen received a call from George Lucas.

"Just now, the executives at Twentieth Century Fox called me to express their gratitude specifically for this matter."

Helen had recommended "The Blair Witch" to Twentieth Century Fox. Originally, Twentieth Century Fox had wanted to use it as an opportunity to strengthen their friendship and persuade George Lucas to reboot the "Star Wars" series.

Unexpectedly, with "The Blair Witch" selling so well, grossing $10.35 million in the first three days of the weekend, Twentieth Century Fox owed George Lucas a favor instead.

"Helen, if you have time, you're welcome to bring that surprising young director over to visit. It seems we are also alumni of the same university."

George Lucas was genuinely pleased to hear that his fellow graduate from the USC School of Cinematic Arts had succeeded. He hoped their alma mater could produce more outstanding talents.

"Sure thing, Uncle George. I'm sure he'll be very happy," Helen replied with a smile after hanging up the phone.